Mom’s empty stocking tips Somersworth youngster off to ‘naughty list’

A busy mother’s story, with children attending high school to elementary, reminds all to laugh a little more around the holidays.

Kristina Gouin of Prospect Street was taking in a sight of her children tearing through their plump stockings one Christmas morning two years ago.

Being an active and full-time employed mother, sometimes the thought of filling ones own stocking isn’t at the top priority of your list, or Santa’s.

Kristina’s son Zachary, then six years old, spotted his mother’s empty stocking and became quite puzzled at the situation. His answer was one that every young boy and girl is quick to conclude in a predicament such as this; their mother must have been on the naughty list.

With an ever so curious, but detective expression Zachary said to his mother, “ You must have been a very, very bad girl this year.”

“I was speechless. I was trying to think of something clever to say,” said Gouin.

The moment passed and they all continued with their breakfast and gift unraveling. The big question still in her son’s mind, “What has Santa upset with their Mother?”

Two years later and the family stills shares a laugh about Mom being on the “naughty list,” and the empty stocking. The children now help their mother by tender heartedly reminding her not to forget.

This year’s Christmas plans consist of the family strolling up the street to Grandmas house, where the smell of fresh pie, deviled eggs and chocolate covered pretzels awaits them.